The Playful Classroom The Power of Play for All Ages

Our classrooms must be meaningful, relevant, and fun.

The Playful Classroom shows readers how to reconnect with students, parents, and your profession. It's full of real-life examples and research-based "how-to's" that you can start implementing tomorrow. Imagine every day at school filled with creativity, relationship building, community, and growth. Is it possible? Yes, it is.

"It has been said that teachers affect eternity, having no idea where exactly their influence stops. If you are a teacher or a parent or simply a human being, read The Playful Classroom. And watch your influence, not only with the children around you, but with the adults, too, ripple toward eternity. Prepare to be inspired!" Dr. Anthony DeBenedet, Medical doctor and author of Playful Intelligence

"With practical and readily applicable classroom strategies, Jed and Julie invite us into the wonderful world of play through laughter and creativity! I laughed a lot and learned even more. From early learning through secondary education, all educators can find golden nuggets throughout this text!" Dr. Jemelleh Coes, EDU Professor, UGA, 2014 Georgia Teacher of the Year

"Playful learning isn't a reward. It's required! If you want deep, satisfied, inquisitive learning, the ideas inside The Playful Classroom will inspire and equip you." Matt Miller, Author, Ditch that Textbook

Shows teachers how and why they should bring play into the classroom to make learning meaningful, relevant, and fun.

Research studies show that all students—young and old, rich and poor, urban and rural—benefit immensely from classrooms filled with art, creativity, and laughter. Fun, playfulness, creative thinking, and individual expression reinforce positive experiences, which in turn lead to more engaged students, better classroom environments, and successful learning outcomes. Designed for K-12 educators, The Playful Classroom describes how teachers can develop a playful mindset for giving students meaningful, relevant and fun learning experiences. This unique real-world guide provides you with everything you need to incorporate engaging, hands-on lessons and creative activities, regardless of the level and subject you teach.

Building on contemporary and seminal works on learning theory and play pedagogy, the authors explain how to inspire your students by bringing play. into your classroom. This clear, user-friendly guide supplies practical strategies and effective solutions for adding the missing ingredients to your classroom culture. Access to the authors’ companion website provides videos, learning experiences, and downloadable teaching and learning resources. Packed with relatable humor, proven methods, and valuable insights, this book enables you to:

• Provide meaningful experiences that will benefit students both in school and later in life
• Combine the principles of PLAY with traditional curricula to encourage creative learning
• Promote trust, collaboration, and growth in students
• Develop a playful mindset for bringing the arts into every lesson
• Foster critical thinking in any school community

The Playful Classroom: The Power of Play for All Ages is a must-have resource for K-12 educators, higher education professionals, and readers looking for education-based professional development and training resources.